In today's digital world, where technology is constantly evolving and consumers are increasingly turning to their smartphones for all of their needs, it's more important than ever for businesses to have a strong online presence. This includes having a solid local SEO strategy in place, especially when it comes to voice search.

As more and more people are using voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant to find products and services, businesses need to adapt their SEO tactics to keep up with this trend. In fact, according to ComScore, by 2020, 50% of all searches will be done through voice. That's why maximizing local SEO with voice search is crucial for businesses looking to stay competitive in their local market.

So how can businesses optimize their local SEO for voice search? Here are some tips and tricks that can help.

1. Start with Keyword Research

Just as with traditional SEO efforts, keyword research is the foundation of any successful voice search optimization strategy. However, there are some key differences when it comes to choosing keywords for voice search. For one thing, people tend to use longer phrases or questions when speaking compared to typing into a search bar.

For example, someone looking for a nearby Italian restaurant might type “Italian restaurant near me” into a search engine but may ask Siri or Alexa “Where can I find the best Italian restaurant near me?” This means that businesses should focus on long-tail keywords that mimic natural language rather than just short keywords or phrases.

Additionally, it's important to consider the intent behind the keywords being used in voice searches. Are people looking for information or are they ready to make a purchase? Understanding this can help businesses tailor their content accordingly and attract the right audience.

2. Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

Google My Business (GMB) is an essential tool for any business looking to improve its visibility in local searches. It allows you to manage your business information across Google's various platforms, including Google Maps and Search. This is especially important for voice search as many voice assistants pull information from GMB to answer queries.

To optimize your GMB listing for voice search, make sure all of your business information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and hours of operation. Also, be sure to include relevant keywords in your business description and choose the appropriate categories for your business.

3. Create Content That Answers Questions

As mentioned earlier, people tend to use longer phrases or questions when using voice search compared to typing into a search bar. This means that businesses should focus on creating content that answers commonly asked questions related to their products or services.

For instance, if you own a hair salon in Napa, CA you might want to create a blog post titled “Top Hair Trends in Napa for 2020” which will not only attract potential customers searching for hair trends but also those looking specifically for information about hair trends in Napa.

4. Utilize Structured Data Markup

Structured data markup is a way of adding extra information about your website's content to help search engines better understand what it's about. By implementing structured data markup on your website, you can make it easier for voice assistants to find relevant information when responding to queries.

For example, if someone asks Siri “What are the best hiking trails near me?” and you have structured data markup on your website indicating that you offer hiking tours in Napa Valley, there's a higher chance that Siri will mention your business as one of the top options.

5. Focus on Local Reviews

Online reviews play a significant role in local SEO rankings as well as consumer decision-making. In fact, according to BrightLocal's Local Consumer Review Survey 2019 , 82% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. With this in mind, businesses should focus on actively encouraging customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook.

Not only do reviews help with rankings in local search, but they also provide valuable information for voice assistants when answering queries. For example, if someone asks Siri “What's the best pizza place near me?” and your business has numerous positive reviews mentioning your delicious pizza, there's a higher chance that Siri will recommend your business as one of the best options.

In conclusion, optimizing local SEO for voice search is crucial for businesses looking to attract more customers and stay ahead of the competition. By focusing on long-tail keywords, optimizing Google My Business listing, creating content that answers questions, utilizing structured data markup, and encouraging local reviews, businesses can maximize their chances of appearing in voice search results. Don't wait until it's too late – start incorporating these tips and tricks into your SEO strategy today!